New brass recruits give the town’s band a buzz
A new beginners’ programme run by Campbeltown Brass has created a real buzz.
After seeing the success of a similar programme run by former Campbeltown Brass member Mark Good at Riverside Youth Band in Port Glasgow, Campbeltown Brass Buzzers – abbreviated to CBBz – was launched.
In a promotional video encouraging youngsters to sign up before the April 10 deadline, Campbeltown Brass conductor Stephanie Mitchell explained the initiative, open to all children in the Campbeltown area, is designed to give youngsters their first taste of reading and playing music.
All CBBz members are taught musical concepts and the beginners’ steps on how to play a brass instrument.
Each child receives a new pBuzz – a plastic instrument played by buzzing the lips together so they vibrate and blowing into the mouthpiece – and weekly lessons, completely free of charge. The 20 new CBBz recruits, aged between seven and 11, took part in a three-day introductory course during the final week of the Easter holidays, after which they were able to read and play several tunes, including an old favourite – Hot Cross Buns.
The youngsters have now begun their weekly interactive sessions – currently online – on a variety of fun themes including jungle and baking, led by tutors Stephanie, Tanya McDonald and Kirsten Souter, who are all previous principal cornet players of Campbeltown Brass.
The tutors hope to hold a summer camp at which point CBBz members will be able to move on to brass instruments before joining the training band.
The youngsters will then be able to rise up the ranks and hopefully one day join Campbeltown Brass, an award-winning band formed in 1983.
Stephanie, Tanya and Kirsten all spoke very highly of the young musicians and the CBBz programme.
Kirsten said: ‘I was delighted to be asked by Stephanie to help tutor CBBz.
‘It has been an enjoyable couple of weeks and I look forward to watching them develop their skills.’
Tanya added: ‘I’ve had a brilliant time getting all our new-starts going on our CBBz course.
‘It’s great to see so many local children so eager to learn music. I’m sure there will be lots more fun to come.’
Stephanie said: ‘I have been absolutely blown away with the number of new recruits. I have definitely had just as much fun as the youngsters have and I’m looking forward to seeing all their smiley faces every week.’
For those who didn’t manage to sign up in time, there will be another Campbeltown Brass Buzzers intake. Email cbnewstarts@gmail.com for more information.